swelling

noun

swell·ing | \ ˈswe-liŋ

Definition of swelling

1 : something that is swollen specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2 : the condition of being swollen

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about swelling

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Synonyms for swelling

Synonyms

bump, knot, lump, node, nodule

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

There was a swelling above her eye. The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Valvoline showed us the performance data of one good seal conditioner that swelled most seal materials, but actually reduced the swelling of one type that tended to swell excessively from the ingredients found in some other engine oils. — Paul Weissler, Popular Mechanics, "How to Pick the Right Motor Oil for Your Car," 14 Feb. 2019 According to the Mayo Clinic, even a minor staph infection can lead to boils (unpleasant pockets of pus that pop up on hair follicles or oil glands) or painful rashes that can manifest as weepy blisters or red, painful swelling. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Um, Do You Actually Need to Wash Your Feet?," 14 Mar. 2019 Most people recover after a few days but severe cases can involve brain swelling, and in extremely rare cases, death. — Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, "Rift Valley Fever Could Be the Next Global Health Crisis For Pregnant Women," 10 Jan. 2019 Foods high in vitamin C are known to combat inflammation, though Dr. Gluckman is skeptical that eating loads of oranges will lessen the swelling from a bite, since vitamin C doesn’t impact histamines, chemicals that trigger the immune system. — Heidi Mitchell, WSJ, "Is There an Alternative Way to Prevent Bug Bites?," 28 July 2018 The medicine has a rapid onset and short duration, and works by reducing airway swelling and increasing blood flow in the veins. — Thomas M. Burton, WSJ, "FDA Approves Teva’s Generic Version of EpiPen Injector," 16 Aug. 2018 Two other officers, each with four years service, both experienced swelling and contusions from the incident. — James B. Nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Four police officers injured while trying to arrest mentally unstable man on north side," 3 May 2018 Breathing in tiny silica particles has been linked to lung cancer, liver disease and an incurable swelling of the lungs. — Garance Burke, The Seattle Times, "Tenants allege Kushner firm pushed them out of their homes," 17 July 2018 The contused areas show the swelling to be receding. — Tammy Ayer, The Seattle Times, "47 years, zero answers: 16-year-old Toppenish girl disappeared after Christmas Eve 1971. Her sister refuses to give up the search.," 4 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'swelling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.